Six from Dogen (1200-1253):
The moon reflected
In a mind clear
As still water:
Even the waves, breaking,
Are reflecting its light.
***
A white heron
Hiding itself
In the snowy field,
Where even the winter grass
Cannot be seen.
***
If you ask,
What is Buddha?
An icicle
Hanging
From a mosquito net.
***
Magpie building
Its nest on his head,
While a spider's web,
Like tiny crabs,
Covers his eyebrows.
***
The world—
Like an elephant's tail
Not passing through the window,
Although no one is there
Holding it back.
***
Contemplating the clear moon
Reflecting a mind empty as the open sky—
Drawn by its beauty,
I lose myself
In the shadows it casts.
_______________________
—Medusa
Medusa encourages poets of all ilk and ages to send their poetry and announcements of Northern California poetry events to kathykieth@hotmail.com for posting on this daily Snake blog. Rights remain with the poets.